Laser Toenail Therapy in Dana Point, CA

Between Laguna Beach and San Clement, along the Southern California Coast, lies the small beach town of Dana Point. Originally a port for ships involved in the hide trade with San Juan Capistrano, located immediately inland from Dana Point, the Dana Point Harbor was further developed in the 1960s and is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and beachfront boutiques. The Catalina Express provides transportation services to and from the City of Avalon from the Dana Point Harbor.

Dana Point Neighborhoods

The beautiful residences of Dana Point are located in distinct neighborhoods, with defining characteristics that set them apart from the rest of the city.

Lantern Village

The historic core of Dana Point is made up of a group of houses originally designed and built by prominent Los Angeles builder, Sidney Woodruff. The so-called “Woodruff Houses” are located in Lantern Village, along streets named for different colored lanterns. Colored lanterns were once used by ships in Dana Harbor to notify potential passengers of the price of fares.

The Strands at Headlands

Originally a part of the founding family’s land, the Strands at Headlands is now a luxury housing development. The development of the Strand involved a ten-year approval process during which time the developers agreed to improve access to the beach and turn the bluff into a nature preserve. More than $11 million were spent to improve public access to the Strands Beach, and included stairs from the bluff to the beach, restrooms, a sidewalk along the beach, and a cliff-side cable car that transports visitors from the parking lot to the beach.

The luxury homes that make up the Strands neighborhood are built on rectangular lots and regularly sell for prices in excess of $10 million. The homeowners pay an additional yearly assessment that provides funds to keep up the beach, which is accessible by the public and provides a popular place for surfing and swimming for all Dana Point residents.

Capistrano Beach

The Capistrano Beach neighborhood was originally purchased and developed by oil tycoon, Edward Doheny, and developed by his son, Ned. Ned Doheny was a fan of Spanish architecture and built a series of homes that followed his preferred design. The original Doheny homes feature a large beam in the main section of the home that is decorated with stenciled artwork by artist Alex Meston. Other features included Spanish roof-lines with red ceramic tiles and low gables. Doheny completed 23 homes in Capistrano Beach before scandal ended his real estate development career.

Today, Capistrano Beach is a mixture of beach-side cottages and multi-million dollar homes. At the north end of Capistrano Beach lies the Capistrano Beach Park, a popular destination for surfers and sunbathers alike. A storm in 2018 damaged the beach so severely that the boardwalk collapsed and the bathrooms and basketball court were threatened. By moving boulders to bolster the basketball courts, the city was able to stave off further damage to the area and rebuilding efforts continue.

Dana Point Parks

Dana Point boasts 28 beautiful parks encompassing more than acres. All Dana Point parks are open between 6 AM and 10 PM and are free to use for groups of less than 30 people. Fires are only permitted in barbecue grills and designated fire pits and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Pets are only allowed on a leash, and owners are required to immediately clean up any waste. Skateboards are prohibited, as are noise generating machinery such as bounce houses. Permits are required for weddings and other large events. Reservations for large groups can be made by calling (949) 248-3530.

Barefoot Embarrassment on the Beach

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from unsightly toenail fungus, you may find yourself avoiding going barefoot on the beach, or anywhere for that matter. Toenail fungus infects the nails of the toe, causing them to become discolored, thick, flaky, and sometimes fall off altogether. Thick toenails can be hard to trim or maintain, creating pain and pressure when walking or standing. While medical insurance often considers toenail fungus a cosmetic issue, suffers will tell you that it can be quite serious. The pain and discomfort of toenail fungus can inhibit a person’s ability to walk or exercise. Fear and embarrassment can keep a toenail fungus sufferer from fully participating in life activities, leading to isolation and loneliness.

Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment in Dana Point

Dr. Jeffery Kleis, DPM, is a podiatrist serving all of Orange County and the surrounding areas. Dr. Kleis utilizes the very latest in laser technology to safely and painlessly target the microorganisms that live in and under the toenail, causing toenail fungus. Pulsing lasers avoid overheating healthy tissues, ensuring that the process is painless and no recovery time is needed. Most patients report clearer nails after just one treatment. (*Note that while the fungus causing microbes are killed in one treatment, toenails grow slowly and it can take up to a year from treatment for natural growth to replace the thick toenail with clear, healthy nails.)

How Do You Get Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is caused by microbes that exist everywhere in the environment and thrive in moist, dark places. Fungi, mold, and yeast can all infect the nails and these microorganisms are nearly always present in environments with sufficient moisture and lack of sunlight. Moist, dark areas are prime places for fungi microbes to thrive, but they exist in nearly every environment, and we are always coming into contact with them.

Up to 10% of the population is estimated to suffer from toenail fungus infections. This condition is so common because the microbes that cause the infection are all around us all the time. When we wear tight fighting shoes that trap sweat and moisture next to our skin, we help to create an environment where fungus can take hold on our feet and toenails.

Healthy nails are more resistant to infection from fungus causing microbes. People most at risk for developing toenail fungus are athletes, elderly people, and people with other health conditions that lower their immune system. Some of the most common places to come into contact with toenail fungus are public pools, gyms, and showers, but the microbes are present everywhere in our environment.

Toenail Fungus FAQs

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Fungal infections of the toenails are most often caused by exposure to moist, wet areas. Communal showers, such as those found at a gym or public pool are often sources of infection. Having athletes foot is also a risk factor for developing toenail fungus, as athletes foot is a fungus that can, over time, infect the nail bed, as well.

Tight fitting shoes, worn for long periods of time in hot, sweaty conditions, also provide an environment for toenail fungus to gain a foothold. Repeated trauma to the toenail can weaken the nails and provide an opportunity for toenail fungus to begin.

Can I get toenail fungus from a pedicure?

It is possible to contract toenail fungus from a nail salon. If the sanitary conditions of a salon are not sufficiently maintained, toenail fungi can lurk in the cracks and crevices of basins and equipment. These fungi can then be passed from one customer to another. Proper hygiene and a strict cleaning regimen will reduce the chances of toenail fungus being contracted by customers of a nail salon. It is important to avoid nail salons that lack good sanitation.

Can I get a pedicure while I have toenail fungus?

It is possible to get a pedicure, even if you have a toenail fungus. However, it is important to choose a salon that is equipped with proper sanitation equipment and be upfront about your condition so that the nail technician will be prepared to sanitize properly afterward. Calling ahead will ensure that the salon you choose is equipped to handle your situation. In some cases, a customer will be asked to provide their own manicure tools and nail polish to avoid spreading the fungus.

What does toenail fungus look like?

In the beginning, toenail fungus is not very noticeable. It may start out as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. As time goes on, your toenail may become thicker or distorted, making it difficult to cut your toenails. Your toes may become painful, especially if the affected toe is under pressure.

Toenail fungus may turn your toenail black, yellow, green, or white, depending on the type of infection. The nail can become brittle or crumbly. Pieces of the nail may break off or the nail may fall off completely. The skin around the infected toenail may also get red, irritated, swollen, or cracked.

What does the beginning of toenail fungus look like?

Toenail fungus often begins as a small white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail. It is generally not painful or particularly noticeable in the early stages. As the infection grows, the nail may become discolored, thicken, or become distorted.

Is toenail fungus contagious?

Toenail fungus is contagious in the sense that it is possible to get it. However, most people are resistant to the fungus and will only develop it if there are some underlying problems like lower immunity, damaged nails, or prolonged exposure to moist, wet conditions surrounding the feet. Because toenail fungus is so common, you can expect that more than one person in a household may have it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that one person passed it to another. The fungi, mold, and yeast that commonly cause toenail fungus are present in most moist, wet areas, including home bathrooms, bathtubs, and showers. A person “catches” toenail fungus by having weakened nails and then being exposed to the fungus, rather than simple exposure to another person with toenail fungus.

Will my toenails grow back after fungus treatment?

Yes! After treatment, you can expect your toenail to continue to grow out at its natural rate, replacing the unsightly nail with a beautiful, healthy one.

How do you get toenail fungus?

Fungal infections of the toenails are most often caused by exposure to moist, wet areas. Communal showers, such as those found at a gym or public pool are often sources of infection. Having athletes foot is also a risk factor for developing toenail fungus, as athletes foot is a fungus that can, over time, infect the nail bed, as well.

Tight fitting shoes, worn for long periods of time in hot, sweaty conditions, also provide an environment for toenail fungus to gain a foothold. Repeated trauma to the toenail can weaken the nails and provide an opportunity for toenail fungus to begin.

Does Peroxide Get Rid of Toenail Fungus?

Hydrogen peroxide can disrupt fungus microbes. Soaking your foot in peroxide can, in some cases, help make the toenails look different. However, because it is difficult for hydrogen peroxide to reach all of the areas of the toe where the fungus can grow, such as under the nail, in the nail bed, it can be difficult to completely treat advanced fungus with peroxide alone. Using peroxide as a preventive or early intervention tool can be maybe be useful for some.

Will Toenail Fungus Go Away on Its Own?

In most cases, toenail fungus will not go away on its own. It requires treatment to cure it and prevent the spread to other, healthy toenails.

Can I Cut My Toenails if They Have Fungus?

Yes, you can cut your toenails, even if they have fungus. To avoid spreading the fungus to other toenails, be sure to thoroughly clean the cutting instruments between toes using bleach or peroxide. To make cutting your toenails easier, soak your feet for ten minutes or so in warm water to soften the nails. Then, use sharp nail clippers to cut straight across, using small cuts to avoid splintering the nail and damaging the nail bed.

Does Nail Polish Cause Toenail Fungus

While nail polish doesn’t exactly CAUSE toenail fungus, it can increase your chances of getting it. Dark nail polish, especially if worn all the time, can block sunlight from reaching your nail bed. Sunlight can kill fungus microbes and prevent toenail fungus from growing. Keeping your nails constantly covered up with polish can increase your chances for toenail fungus to grow. Also, nail salons are a place where you might come into contact with fungi if the nail technicians aren’t vigilant about cleaning pedicure instruments between customers. Use care in choosing a nail salon and, if possible, visit in the morning when instruments are generally the cleanest.

My Toenail Fell Off – Is It Fungus?

There are several reasons why your toenail might fall off. Trauma is the most common reason for losing a toenail. However, if your toenail thickens over time, lifting from the nail bed and eventually falling off, it is very likely a fungus and you should seek treatment from your podiatrist.

Can my fingernails get fungus?

Yes, any nail can get a fungal infection. It is not as common for fungal infections to infect a fingernail because hands are generally kept drier and not exposed as frequently to hot, damp, confined conditions.

Why Don’t Fingernails Get Fungal Infections As Often As Toenails?

Our feet are often confined for hours per day in hot, sweaty shoes. The shoes block the sunlight and don’t allow sweat to dry, creating an ideal environment for fungus and mold like athletes foot and toenail fungus to thrive. Hands get wet, but then are quickly dried, not providing the moist, wet conditions fungus need to grow.

Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus FAQs

Can laser treatments cure toenail fungus?

Laser treatments for nail fungus have been clinically proven to work. Nail fungus is often destroyed after a single laser treatment. Most patients report that the appearance of their toenails is improved after a single treatment. However, a second or third treatment may be required for severe infections.

How Does Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments Work?

Focused laser light targets the fungal organisms that live in and under the toenail and nail bed. The light heats the tissue, destroying the fungal microbes and killing the toenail fungus.

The laser is pulsed to avoid overheating the surrounding tissues, making the treatment pain-free. No pain relievers will be required after the procedure and no anesthetic is necessary to perform it.

How much do laser treatments for toenail fungus cost?

Costs for laser toenail fungus treatments vary, depending on the severity of the infection and the number of treatments required. When you visit with Dr. Kleis, he will work with you to determine the best course of treatment and go over the expected cost with you.

Can I make payments on laser treatments for nail fungus?

We offer financing through Care Credit. You can fill out an application online and get approval before you schedule your treatments. Make payments you can afford while achieving better nail health!

Do laser treatments work for toenail fungus?

Laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to treat toenail fungus. Often in as little as one treatment, patients will see clear, beautiful nails begin to appear. Toenails grow slowly, however, and the damaged nail must be given time to grow out and be cut off before the whole nail will look perfectly restored.

How many laser treatments does it take to cure nail fungus?

Many times a single laser treatment will cure toenail fungus. In very serious cases, it may take a second or even third treatment. Your podiatrist will be able to let you know how many treatments to expect.

Will Medicare Cover Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus?

Normal foot care is not generally covered by Medicare, though some Medicare supplement plans do provide coverage for additional benefits, including foot care. If a patient has underlying health issues that affect the feet, such as diabetes and diabetic nerve pain, Medicare will sometimes pay for a podiatrist visit to address that condition.

Medicare Part B plans will sometimes include benefits that cover podiatry and could include benefits for laser treatment. Call your plan provider or allow our office to assist you in determining benefit coverage from your Medicare supplement plan. Call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 or (866) 333-8710 to speak to a customer care specialist who can help you determine your Medicare and supplemental benefits.

Does Insurance Pay For Laser Nail Treatments?

While advanced toenail fungus can cause problems with a person’s ability to move and exercise, it is generally considered an aesthetic issue and isn’t covered by insurance. However, plans vary and you should ask your insurance provider or allow one of our customer care specialists to inquire for you. To see if your insurance plan will pay for Laser Nail Treatments, call our office at (714) 760-4944 or (866) 333-8710.

Does Laser Nail Treatment Hurt?

Laser nail treatments last about thirty minutes. The laser is focused only on the affected toenail and doesn’t harm any healthy tissues. The area will feel warm during treatment, but no pain is experienced. A pulsing laser is used to avoid overheating the area or causing damage to surrounding tissues. No anesthetic is required and, generally, no pain relievers are necessary following treatment. Patients are immediately able to resume regular activities, including wearing shoes and painting their toenails.

How do I Prepare For Laser Nail Therapy?

When arriving for your laser nail treatment appointment, you should ensure that your feet are clean and free of all nail polish. Wear clean socks and plan to spend a minimum of an hour at the office. You will be able to wear your shoes again immediately after the treatment and drive yourself home from the office. If your toenail fungal infection is severe, Dr. Kleis may ask you to schedule an additional treatment session.

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*Disclaimer: If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. All information, content and material on this website is for informational purposes only, and is not medical advice or serve as consultation, diagnosis and/or medical treatment. Dr. Jeffrey Kleis DPM disclaims any liability based on information provided on this website.